GWS Giants to host first AFL Women's home game

BLOCKBUSTER: GWS Giants marquee player Emma Swanson and The Hills mayor Yvonne Keane are looking forward to the first AFL Women's game in Sydney.

THE rise of Aussie rules, particularly in women’s participation numbers in NSW, is what convinced Emma Swanson to join GWS Giants.

Swanson moved from Perth to join GWS as a marquee player, and will make her debut in this Saturday’s historic AFL Women’s game against Fremantle at Blacktown International Sportspark.

The 21-year-old missed the first two rounds with a hamstring injury.

“I knew NSW was a strong developing state for football, and the youth girls was starting to get a lot stronger,” Swanson said.

“There is some strong talent coming through the age groups, so it is more of a long-term look of where the state is sitting and I thought it needed a little help so that is why I thought the Giants would be a good club to go to.

“I know there are five Victorians on our team who also thought the same thing as well.

With the help of four from WA and five Victorians, it gives a bit of leadership to the other girls who haven’t played at a high level before.”

The Hills mayor Yvonne Keane is encouraging residents to get behind the Giants.

Cr Keane said the squad of 28 Giants players have become idols for her five-year-old daughter Saskia.

“My daughter and other young girls now have the opportunity of cheering on these talented young women and watch them live out their dream as elite AFL players,” Cr Keane said.